Clearer roll stripping apparatus



June 26, 1956 G w. MITCHELL 2,751,621

CLEARER ROLL STRIPPING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 14, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 L/IY f1g=2 m GEORGEW-MWCHELL, INVENTOR. 1'

BY @Lww ATTORNEYS June 1956 G. w. MITCHELL 2,751,621

CLEARER ROLL STRIPPING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 14, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 GEORGE W. MITCHELL, 1 N VENTOR.

ATTORNEYS June 26, 1956 G. w. MITCHELL 2,751,621

CLEARER ROLL STRIPPING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 14, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR: GEORGE W. MITCHELL.

' mmw ATTORNEYS June 26, 1956 G. w. MITCHELL 2,751,621

CLEARER ROLL STRIPPING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 14, 1953 e sheets-sheet 4 I w! I 12 GEORQEWMITCHELL, IIJII II lllhhf -84 INVIINTUR- 1- l? 11 a'xa m/ ATTORNEYS June 1956 G. w. MITCHELL 2,751,621

CLEARER ROLL STRIPPING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 14, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 6 i a 8 219 INVENTOR:

GEORGE W. MITCHELL.

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ATTORNEYS June 26, 1956 G. w. MITCHELL 2,751,521

CLEARER ROLL STRIPPING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 14, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 l 256 a o 1 we, GEORGE W. MITCHELL,

IN VENTOR 1; BY KJLVQJ-LU ATTORNEYS United States ateut O CLEARER RGLL STREPPING APPARATUS George W. Mitcheii, Lockhart, S. C. Application January 14, 1953, Serial No. 331,253

13 Claims. (Cl. 15-307) This invention relates to apparatus employed in the textile industry for stripping accumulations of textile fibers, strand material and the like from clearer rolls, bobbins and the like.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide an apparatus comprising a pair of spaced parallel driven stripper rolls with means for automatically positioning the rolls to be cleaned, such as clearer rolls, one at a time, upon and between the stripper rolls with suitable suction means being disposed beneath the stripper rolls and wherein the driving means for the stripper rolls is automatically controlled to rotate the stripper rolls, first in one direction to tend to smooth out and mat thetextile fibers and/ or strands on the clearer rolls and to then automatically reverse the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls to cause the matted random fibers on the clearer rolls to be unwound and stripped substantially in web form from the clearer rolls and drawn into the suction means.

As is well known to those familiar with the art, many textile machines, such as spinning frames, twisters, drawing frames and the like are provided with removable clearer rolls which usually engage the drawing rolls or feed rolls of such machines. The clearer rolls are usually provided with a fibrous covering or a plurality of closely spaced cots or bosses of relatively soft material to which fragments of yarn and excess textile fibers adhere in a random manner; that is, some fibers may be parallel to others, some may be at various angles, some may be loose and others may be clinging tightly to the clearer rolls.

More recently, the cots or bosses of clearer rolls have been made from a relatively soft or a resilient material such as sponge or foam rubber having a fibrous coating, such as plush adhesively applied thereto.

' Hereto'fore, one method of removing the residual or waste random textile fibres and strand material from such clearer rolls has involved the employment of a knife or a similar instrument manually wielded by a skilled operator whereby the residual body was severed to facilitate its removal from the clearer rolls or the bosses or cots thereof. While this method has been relatively satisfactory in some instances, it has not only been slow and hence expensive from the point of view of labor cost, but due to the soft texture of the cots or bosses, which have more recently been formed from a sponge or foam rubber, it has been practically impossible to sever the residual body carried by such cots or bobbins without injury to the surface of the cots or bosses and, as a matter of fact, the sponge or foam rubber is so soft as to be unwieldy, thereby further extending the time required to remove the residual or waste textile fibres from the clearer rolls.

It is therefore another object of this invention to provide an improved clearer roll stripping device having means in the form of a magazine for storing a plurality of clearer rolls from which the residual or waste tex- 2,751,621 Patented June 26, 1956 tile fibres and/or strand material is to be removed. The magazine is in the form of a slightly inclined chute which terminates adjacent, and slightly above the horizontal plane of, a pair of closely spaced horizontal, parallel stripper rolls having a suitable suction means disposed therebetween and slightly below the level of the stripper rolls.

Means are provided for releasing the clearer rolls, one at a time, to permit the latter to fall upon and between the adjacent stripper rolls and whereupon the stripper rolls are automatically driven to impart rotation tothe corresponding clearer roll in one direction for substantially parallelizing or smoothing out the fibers thereon. The peripheries of the stripper rolls are preferably roughened or knurled to assist in parallelizing the residual or waste fibrous material on the clearer rolls. Upon a predetermined number of revolutions being imparted to the clearer roll in one direction by the stripper rolls, the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls is reversed to thereby impart rotation to the clearer roll in the opposite direction for a predetermined number of revolutions, whereupon the fibers are drawn into the suction means extending therebeneath in parallel relation to the clearer roll.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the character described wherein a means is provided to automatically eject the cleaned clearer roll from the stripper rolls and, substantially simultaneously, a succeeding means operating in conjunction with the ejecting means automatically releases a succeeding clearer roll from the magazine onto the stripper rolls whereby the cleaning of a plurality of clearer rolls is a continuous, uninterrupted operation.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top plan view of the improved clearer 'roll stripping apparatus;

Figure l-A is an enlarged fragmentary plan view similar to the right-hand portion of Figure 1, omitting the stripper rolls and supports therefor, and showing the nozzle of the suction device;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the improved apparatus lookingup at the lower side of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged front elevation of the improved clearer roll stripping apparatus looking at the right hand side of Figure 2 with parts broken away to show the mechanism disposed within the lower front portion of the cabinet;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 44 in Figure 3 and showing the manner in which clearer rolls in the magazine are restrained from moving off the end of the inclined chute comprising said magazine while another clearer roll is being operated upon by the stripper mechanism;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the upper end or nozzle of the suction device shown in the upper right-hand portion of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is detail, with parts in section, taken substantially along the line 66 in Figure 4, but omitting the clearer rolls;

Figure 7 is fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 7-7 in Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a detail of the means for driving the stripper rolls, showing portions of the cabinet in cross-section and being taken substantially along the line 88 in Figure '3;

Figure 9 is a somewhat schematic enlarged fragmentary sectional plan view taken substantially along the line 9-9 in Figure 8, but omitting the cabinet and showing the means for controlling the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls;

Figure is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line Ill-10 in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in Figure 9;

Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, mostly in elevation, taken substantially along the line 1212 in Figure 10;

, Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the manner in which corresponding ends of the stripper rolls are rotatably supported, partly in elevation, and being taken substantially along the line 1313 in Figure 6;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 14-44 in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is an enlarged, partially exploded isometric view, wifli parts broken away and in cross-section, showing the manner in which the stripper rolls are supported and looking in the general direction of the arrow 15 in Figure l;

Figure 16 is an isometric view of the cabinet of the improved apparatus with the magazine thereon, but omitting the stripper roll supports or stands and the stripper rolls for purposes of clarity, and showing the front and top of the cabinet and the opposite side of the cabinet from that shown in Figure 2;

Figure 17 is a sectional plan view of the cabinet of the improved apparatus taken substantially along the-line 1717 in Figure 16 and omitting all of the parts disposed within the cabinet for purposes of clarity;

Figure 18 is a diagram of the electrical circuit for the roll stripping apparatus, wherein the associated mechanical parts are shown schematically.

Cabinet and magazine construction Referring more specifically to the drawings, the cabinet is formed in two sections; namely, a front section broadly designated at 10 and a rear section broadly designated at 11 (Figure 17). The sections 10 and 11 of the cabinet are preferably made of a thin sheet material, such as sheet metal and the front section comprises a front wall 12, side walls 13 and 14 and curved corner portions 15, 16, 17 and 18. The proximal edges of the corner portions 15 and 17 are suitably secured to the distal edges of the side wall 13 and the proximal edges of the corner portions 16 and 18 are suitably secured to the distal edges of the side wall 14. The proximal edges of the corner portions 15 and 16 also serve as jambs for respective doors 21 and 22 hingedly connected to the corner portions 15 and 16.

The proximal edges of the corner portions 17 and 18 are suitably secured to the distal side edges of a dividing panel, partition or wall 23 to which the front edges of side Walls 24 and 25 of the rear section 11 of the cabinet are suitably secured. The rear edges of the side walls 24 and 25 are suitably secured to respective curved corner portions 26 and 27 whose proximal edges are suitably secured to the distal side edges of a rear panel or wall 30. The rear corner member or portion 26 of the rear cabinet section 11 also serves as a jamb for a suitable door 31 hingedly connected to the corner member 26.

Itwill be observed in Figures 2 and 16 that the side walls 24 and 25 of the rear cabinet section 11 extend upwardly beyond the level of the upper edges of the vertical walls of the front cabinet section 10 and support a magazine broadly designated at 32, which will be presently described in detail. A flanged top wall 'or cover 33 is suitably secured to, and extends outwardly beyond, the upper edges of the side walls 13 and 14, front wall 12 and corner portions or members 15 to 18, inclusive, of the front cabinet section 10.

The top wall or cover 33 is substantially rectangular in plan with arcuate corners and has an elongated slot 28 therein (Figure 16) which extends. transversely of the general longitudinal axis of the machine. The top Wall 33 also has a relatively short forwardly and rearwardly extending slot 29 therein disposed adjacent one end of the transverse slot 28.

Generally, the magazine 32 comprises a plurality of superposed inclined chutes or platforms and means for directing the clearer rolls, bobbins or the like successively from the uppermost of the inclined platforms or chutes into the lowermost inclined platform or chute. In this instance, there are three superposed inclined platforms or chutes shown in Figures 2, 3 and 16; namely, an upper platform or chute 33a, and intermediate platform or chute 34 and a lower or bottom platform or chute 35.

The front and rear ends of the respective chutes 34 and 35 each has respective substantially semicircular portions 36 and 37 thereon. The portion 36 curves upwardly and then rearwardly in spaced overlapping relation to the front lower edge of the forwardly and downwardly inclined upper chute 33a. Of course, the curved portion 37 of the forwardly and downwardly inclined bottom chute 35 curves upwardly in spaced parallel relation to the rear edge of the intermediate rearwardly and downwardly inclined chute 34 and the upper edge of the curved portion 37 of the bottom chute 35 is disposed in spaced overlapping relation to the rear edge of the intermediate chute 34.

The lowermost or bottom chute 35 is of substantially greater width than the upper and intermediate chutes 33a and 34, respectively, and overhangs the walls of the rear cabinet section 11 and is suitably secured to the upper edges of the side walls 24 and 25, the rear wall 30 and a front wall portion 40 (Figure 4) of the rear cabinet section 11. Opposite side edges of the upper and intermediate platforms or chutes 33a and 34 of the magazine 32 and the arcuate portions 36 and 37 of the intermediate and bottom platforms or chutes 34 and 35 are suitably supported as by inverted substantially U-shaped frame members 41 and 42 suitably secured to the bottom platform or chute 35. I

In order to maintain the clearer rolls or the like, indicated at R (Figures 4 and 18), in proper alinement with the stripper mechanism to be later described, each'of the inclined chutes or platforms has a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending guide bars 44 and 45 suitably adjustably secured to the upper surface thereof as by screws 46. Each of the platforms or chutes 33a, 34 and 35 has a plurality of holes 47 therein in transverse alinement with each of the screws or bolts 46 to facilitate adjustment of the guide bars 44 and 45 to vary the distance therebetween according to the length of the rolls R.

Magazine roll transfer mechanism It is evident that the rolls R are placed upon the uppermost or top chute or platform 33a, between the corresponding guide bars 44 and 45, and roll, by gravity, along a the chute 33a and are directed onto the chute 34 by its arcuate portion 36, from whence they roll, by gravity, along the intermediate chute 34 and are directed onto the bottom chute 35 by its curved portion 37.

In order to arrest the leading roll R, a magazine roll transfer mechanism, broadly designated at 50, is provided (Figures 3, 4 ,6, 7 and 18). The bottom platform or chute 35 has a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced parallel transverse slots 51 and 52 therein through which respective roll arresting bars 53 and 54 alternately pass. These roll arresting bars 53 and 54 may also be termed as roll releasing or transfer bars.

The roll arresting and releasing bars 53 and 54 are preferably spaced from each other a distance substantially equal to the diameter of each of the rolls R, although this is not absolutely necessary and the distance may substantially vary. Each of the arresting bars 53 and 54 is suitably secured to the upper ends of respective pairs of transversely spaced arresting bar supports or rods 55 and 56 (Figures 4, 6 and 18), each of which is mounted for vertical sliding movement in a substantially vertical guide block 57. The guide blocks 57 are carried by a transverse frame member 59 which spans the distance between, and is suitably secured to, the proximal surfaces 'of the side walls 24 and 25 of the rear cabinet section 11.

Each of the arresting bar supports or rods 55 and 56 is substantially U-shaped (Figure 6) thereby forming a horizontal or lateral portion 60 and and upwardly projecting outer portion 61 on each of the rods 55 and 56.

The upwardly projecting portions 61 are also mounted for vertical sliding movement in the transverse frame member 59. A bearing block 63 is disposed between each adjacent pair of the guide members 57 and depends from the transverse frame member 59. The lower ends of the bearing blocks 63 have a rocker shaft 64 oscillatably mounted therein on which rocker arms or cranks 65 are fixedly mounted intermediate the ends thereof.

Each of the rocker arms or cranks 65 has a pair of upwardly and outwardly diverging spaced slots 66 and 67 therein (Figures 4 and 18) through which the portions 60 of the respective arresting bar supports 55 and 56 extend. Opposite ends of the rocker shaft 64 have crank arms 69 and 79 fixed thereon. The free end of the crank arm 69 has the lower end of tension spring 71 connected thereto (Figures 6 and 18) whose upper end is 9 suitably connected to the transverse frame member 59 and which, therefore, normally urges shaft 64 and its rocker arms 65 in a counterclockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18 and, thus, normally urges the front or lowermost arresting bar 53 to raised or operative position shown in Figures 4, 6 and 18. Thus, the arresting bar 53 normally prevents the rolls R from passing ofii of the front end of the bottom chute or platform 35.

Since the rear arresting bar supports 56 are of substantially the same length as the front arresting bar supports 55, it is evident that the spring 71 also normally urges the rear arresting bar 54 to a lowered or inoperative position, below the level of the upper surface of the bottom platform or chute 35, as shown in Figure 4.

It will be observed, in the left-hand portion of Figure 6, that the free end of the crank arm 70 has the upper end of a link 72 pivotally connected thereto which extends downwardly and is pivotally connected to the upper end of a solenoid plunger 73 Whose lower portion is dis posed within a solenoid coil 74 suitably secured to an angle clip or bracket 75. The angle clip or bracket '75 is suitably secured to the rear surface of the partition 23 and has wires or conductors 76 and 77 connected to opposite ends thereof (Figures 4, 6 and 18). The solenoid coil 74 and wires 76 and 77 are parts of the electrical circuit to be later described.

Stripping mechanism Upon energization of the solenoid coil 74, the rocker shaft 64 is moved in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18 to lower the front arresting bar 53 to inoperative position as the rear arresting bar 54 is raised to operative position and to thereby release the leading roll R which was previously engaged by the front arresting bar 53 and to also prevent the rolls in back of the leading roll R from moving down the inclined bottom chute 35. The leading roll R then rolls down the inclined chute 35 and is thereby transferred onto a pair of closely spaced parallel stripper rolls 80 and 81 of the stripper mechanism.

The rolls 39 and 33. extend transversely of the machine and are spaced horizontally to form an opening therebetween wherein the distance between the stripper rolls 8:; and 81 is slightly less than the diameter of the rolls R. Of course, a single stripper roll could be used instead of the two rolls 8t) and 81, although it would probably be necessary to provide other guide means for maintaining the clearer rolls in contact with a single stripper roll. One form of other guide means may include curved guide bars extending from the chute 35 to the stripper roll. As a matter of fact, either of the stripper rolls 80 or 81 may be considered broadly as means to maintain each successive clearer roll R in engagement with the other of said stripper rolls. At the time that each successive roll is advanced to the stripper rolls and 81, the stripper rolls 8%) and 81 are being driven in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18. Thus, each successive roll R falls off the free front edge of the bottom inclined platform or chute 35 and its momentum, combined with the direction of rotation of the rear stripper roll 80, causes the roll R to be acted upon to be positioned between, and in engagement with the proximal portions of, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 as shown in the right-hand portion of Figure 4.

In order to assist in establishing frictional contact be tween the roll R, as it is being cleaned, and the stripper rolls 8% and 81, the peripheral surfaces of the rolls 80 and 31 are roughened or knurled, as at 82 (Figures 3 and 15), which also assists in parallelizing or flattening the random fibers or strands which may have been previously collected on the rolls or bobbins R.

Due to the fact that the spacing between the stripper rolls 8!) and 81 must be adjusted according to the variations in diameters of different clearer rolls and the like, opposite ends of the front stripper roll 81 are journaled in forwardly and rearwardly adjustable bearing blocks 84 and 34 (Figures 15 and 4, respectively) each of which has a dove-tailed portion 85 on the outer surface thereof which slidably fits in a mating dovetailed groove in each of a pair of vertically adjustable guide blocks 86 and 86 (Figures l3, l4 and 15). The rear portions of the vertically adjusted guide blocks 86 and 86 have respective inwardly projecting bearing portions 87 and 87' thereon in which opposite ends of the rear stripper roll 80 are suitably journaled.

Since the means for supporting the ends of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 are identical at both sides of the machine, except opposite hand, only the parts associated with the hearing block 84 and the guide block 86 will be further described and those parts associated with the bearing block 84' and the guide block 86' will bear the same reference characters with the prime notation added.

The front and rear ends of the guide block 86 are mounted for vertical sliding movement in the proximal sides of respective front and rear upright portions 90 and 9i (Figures 13, 14 and 15) of a roll stand broadly designated at 92. The lower ends of the upright members 9 3 and 91 are suitably secured to a bottom member or plate 94 and the upper ends of the upright members 90 and 91 have opposite ends of an upper roll stand member 95 suitably secured thereto. The roll stand 92 is suitably secured to the upper surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10 adjacent the outer wall of the slot 29 (Figure 15) and the roll stand 92' is suitably secured to the top wall or cover 33 of the front cabinet section 19 adjacent the end of the transverse slot 2%; remote from the slot 29 and the roll stand 92.

The upper roll stand member 95 is slidably or loosely penetrated by a threaded shaft 96 having a knurled knob or other suitable handle 97 fixed to its upper end. The threaded shaft 96 is disposed substantially centrally of the upper roll stand bar 95 and also threadably penetrates the medial portion of the guide block 36. The lower end of the threaded shaft 96 loosely or slidably penetrates bottom bar 94 of the roll stand 92 and has an enlarged portion or collar 11)!) (Figure 14) fixed on the lower end thereof which slidably and rotatably engages the upper surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10.

The enlarged portion or collar 100 on the lower end of the threaded shaft 96 is also rotatably mounted in the lower portion of the plate or bar 94 and, thus, prevents upward and downward movement of the shaft 96. Thus, by rotating the shaft 96, the bearing blocks 84 and 37 may be vertically adjusted, in unison, to vary the distance between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and the upper surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10.

9, and 12).

The front portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the. guide block 86 have respective upper and lower substantially L-shaped plates 101 and 102-suitably secured thereto (Figures 13 and 15) which extend inwardly toward the center of the machine and then forwardly beyond the front upright member of the roll stand 92 and are held in proper spaced relation to each other by a spacing block or nut 103. The spacing block 103 is threadabiy penetrated by a threaded horizontal adjustment shaft 104 having a suitable handle 105 on the front end thereof which is shown in the form of a knurled knob.

The bearing block 84 is also slidably mounted between the rear portions of the upper and lower plates 101 and 102 and has a cavity 106 in the front end thereof (Figure 13) in which an enlarged portion or collar 107 on the rear end of the shaft 104 is positioned. The cavity 106 is partially closed by a plate 110 suitably secured to the front end of the bearing block 84 and which is slidably or loosely penetrated by the threaded shaft 104.

Thus, manual rotation of the adjustment screw 104 will cause either forward or rearward movement to be imparted to the front bearing block 84 relative to the guide block 86 and its bearing block portion 87. It is thus seen that the stripper rolls 80 and 81 may be adjusted upwardly and downwardly in unison by rotative movement of the vertical adjustment screws 96 and 96 and the distance between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 may be varied by rotative movement of the horizontal adjustment screws 104 and 104.

Driving means for stripper rolls It will be observed in Figures 8 and 15 that reduced corresponding ends of the stripper rolls 81 and 80 have respective sprocket wheels or pulleys 111 and 111a fixed thereon which are engaged by a common sprocket chain or endless belt 112. The lower portion of the sprocket chain 112 engages a sprocket wheel or pulley 113 (Figures 3 and 9) fixed on one end of a shaft 114 rotatably mounted in one side wall 115 of a combination transmission gear and clutch housing broadly designated at 116. The housing 116 also comprises a side wall 117, front and rear end walls 120 and 121 and top and bottom walls 122 and 123.

nel bars 125 and 126 are suitably secured to the inner surface of the front wall 12 of the front cabinet section 10 and the rear ends of the channel bars 125 and 126 are suitably secured to the partition 23.

The endless belt or sprocket chain 112 is maintained taut by a suitable take-up mechanism in the form of an arm 127 which is pivotally supported, as at 130, on the partition 23 (Figures 3 and 8) and has a sprocket wheel or pulley 131 rotatably mounted on the free end thereof and engaging the endless belt or sprocket chain 112. One end of a tension spring 132 is connected to the arm 127 and the other end thereof there is suitably connected to the wall or partition 23.

The inner end ofthe shaft 114 has a relatively large bevel gear 134 fixed thereon which meshes with a pair of diametrically opposed relatively small transmission bevel gears 135 and 136, the hub of each of which is shown in the form of a clutch member 137 (Figures It will be observed in Figure 12 that each of the clutch members 137 has a pair of substantially diametrically opposed toothed segments 140 thereon between which segmental cavities 141 are formed thereby and in which cavities opposite ends of a locking pin 142 are disposed. The locking pin is suitably secured to a drive shaft 143 on which the bevel gears 135 and 136 are mounted.

The clutch members 137 associated with the. gears 135 and 136 are adapted to be alternately engagedby respective mating clutch members 144 and 145 suitably keyed for axial sliding movement on the shaft 143, but which are caused to rotate with the shaft 143. The axially movable or reciprocable clutch members 144 and 145 have respective peripheral grooves 146 and 147 therein in which the forked ends of respective yoke members 150 and 151 are disposed. The yoke members 150 and 151' extend radially from the respective clutch members 144 and 145 and are fixed on an axially reciprocable shifting shaft 152 mounted for longitudinal sliding movement at opposite end thereof in the end walls 120 and 121 of the housing 116.

The shaft 152 has a pair of closely spaced collars 153 fixed thereon between which a shifting pin 154 is disposed. The shifting pin 154 is eccentrically mounted on, and projects inwardly from, a disk or lever 155 fixed on the inner end of a shaft 156. The shaft 156 is oscillatably mounted in the wall 117 of the housing 116 and the outer end thereof has a crank arm 160 fixed thereon to which one end of a link 161 is pivotally connected (Figures 8 and 9).

The other end of the link 161 is pivotally connected to a solenoid plunger 162 surrounded by a solenoid coil 163. It will be observed in Figure 18 that the wire or conductor 76 remote from the solenoid coil 74 is connected to one end of the solenoid coil 163 and the other end of the solenoid coil 163 has a wire or conductor 164 connected thereto which extends to a lead wire or conductor 165.

Referring again to Figures 3, 8, 9 and 10, it will be observed that the shaft 143 is rotatably mounted in the end walls 120 and 121 of the housing 116 and one end of the shaft 143 extends outwardly through the end wall 121 and has a pulley 166 fixed thereon which is engaged by an endless belt 167. The endless belt 167 extends upwardly (Figure 8) and is also mounted on a pulley 170 fixed on a motor shaft 171 extending from an electric motor 172. The electric motor 172 is suitably secured to a motor support plate 173 carried by the upper wall 122 of the housing 116 (Figure 3). The motor 172 has wires or conductors 174 and 175 extending therefrom. The wire 174 is connected to lead wire 165 and wire 175 is connected to a magnetic starter to be later described.

It will be observed in Figures 9 and 18 that one end of the shifting shaft 153 is disposed within a tubular portion 176 whose outer end is closed by a threaded closure member 177. Disposed within the tubular portion 176 is a compression spring 180 which bears against the corresponding end of the shifting shaft 153 and, thus, normally urges the same from left to right in Figure 9 or from right to left in Figure 18.

It is thus seen that the clutch member 144 is normally urged into engagement with the clutch member 137 of bevel gear 135 for transmitting rotation thereto while the clutch member 145 is normally out of engagement relative to the clutch member 137 associated with gear 136'. Thus, since the shaft 143 is driven by the electric motor 172, the bevel gear 135 imparts rotation to the bevel gear 134 to impart rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 in a counter-clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 1.8.

Upon energization of the solenoid coil 163, the shaft 156 is rotated a partial revolution whereby the pin 154 causes the shifting rod or shaft 152 to move from right to left in Figure 9 and to thereby move the movable clutch member 145 into engagement with the clutch member 137 on gear 136, as the other movable clutch member 144 moves out of engagement with the clutch member 137 on gear 135. v

The arcuate or segmental cavities 141 in each of the clutch members 137 are provided to permit the corresponding clutch members 137 to rotate a partial revolution independently of the shaft 143 before effecting rotation to the shaft 143. This insures that the teeth on the 13* proximal surfaces of the mating clutch members are in proper engagement before they are placed under a load. It is evident that, upon the niovable clutch member 145 being moved into operative position relative to the clutch member 137 of the gear 135, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 will then rotate in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18.

Roll ejector mechanism The means for controlling the transfer mechanism 50 and the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and the ejector mechanism will be later described. However, it might be stated that, in operation, as each successive r'oll R is directed onto the stripper rolls 80 and 81, the stripper rolls are then rotating in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18 and continue this rotation for a period of, say, 30 seconds, during which time the fibers or other loose matter on the corresponding roll R are substantially paralielized and matted against the periphery of the roll R.

The direction of rotation of the rolls 8d and 31 is then reversed, during which time they rotate in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 4 for a period of, say, fifteen seconds and during which the suction means causes the matted fibers to be withdrawn from the roll R disposed upon and between the stripper rolls 8%) and 81 in the form of a web. Thereafter, the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 8% and 81 is again reversed so they rotate in their original or clockwise direction and, at which time, the ejector mechanism operates to eject the roll R from between the stripper rolls 8% and 81 while, substantially simultaneously, the transfer mechanism 51) again operates to release a succeeding roll R to be cleaned.

The ejector mechanism, broadly designated at 185, is most clearly illustrated in Figures 4, 7 and 18 and comprises a horizontally disposed substantially vertically reciprocable ejector bar 186. The ejector bar of the ejector mechanism 185 is disposed between the lower portions of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and in closer proximity to the rear stripper roll 80 than it is to the front stripper roll 81. The ejector bar 186 is also spaced closely beneath and to one side of the vertical axis of the particular roll R which is being operated upon by the stripper rolls 80 and 81 as shown in Figure 4.

The ejector bar 186 is fixed to the upper ends of a pair of transversely spaced ejector bar supports or rods 187 which extend downwardly and rearwardly at an angle and are mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in corresponding guide blocks 19%). The guide blocks 190 extend through the top wall or cover 33 of the front cabinet section and are suitably secured thereto as by welding.

The lower ends of the ejector bar supports 187 are pivotally connected to corresponding ends of rocker arms 191. It will be noted that the lower ends of the ejector bar supports 187 are connected to the rocker arms 191 by being bent at right angles at the lower ends thereof and each of the rocker arms 191 has an angularly disposed slot 192 in one end thereof for reception of the right-angularly bent portion of the corresponding ejector bar support 187 (Figures 4 and 18). The slot 192 merely facilitates relative movement between the lower ends of the ejector bar supports 187 and the rocker arms 191, since the ejector bar supports 187 move in a straight line while the rocker arms 191 move in an arcuate path. The rockor arms are fixed, at the ends thereof remote from the rods 187, on opposite ends of a rocker shaft 193. The rocker shaft 193 is journaled in a pair of bearing blocks 194 whose upper ends are fixed to the lower surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10. The lower ends of the bearing blocks 194 are spanned by a bar or frame member 195, suitably secured to the bearing blocks 194.

The ejector bar 186 is normally urged to a lowered or inoperative position, as shown in Figure 4, by a tension spring 196, the upper end of which is suitably connected to the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10 and the lower end of which is connected to the free end of a crank arm 197 fixed on a medial portion of the rocker shaft 193. The free end of the crank arm 197 also has the upper end of a link 2% pivotally connected thereto which extends downwardly through a slot or notch 201 formed (Figure 7) in the bar 195 and is pivotally connected to the upper end of a solenoid plunger 2112.

The solenoid plunger 262 is surrounded by a solenoid coil 203 suitably insulatably secured to an angle bracket or angle clip 294. The angle bracket 204 is suitably secured to the partition 23 disposed between the front and rear sections 10 and 11 of the cabinet. Wires or conductors 2% and 287 are connected to opposite ends of the solenoid coil 203 and extend to an electrical timing device to be later described.

It is evident that, upon energization of the solenoid coil 283, the solenoid plunger 2412 moves downwardly in Figures 4, 7 and 18 thereby causing the bar 186 of the ejector mechanism 185 to dart upwardly, striking the roll R disposed between the stripper rolls 8t) and 81 and causing the same to be thrown upwardly and forwardly over the stripper roll 81 and whereupon the cleaned roll R will then fall upon a suitable discharge chute or tray 210 resting upon the front portion of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section it). This tray or chute 210 may be constructed in any desired manner and is shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4 as being formed from a relatively thin material, such as sheet metal, and having an upwardly projecting lip 211 at the rear edge thereof to prevent the ejected rolls R from falling beneath the front stripper roll 81. The bottom of the tray or discharge chute 210 is inclined forwardly and downwardly at a slight angle and its front edge terminates in substantially the same vertical plane as the front edge of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section it) so that a suitable truck, box or other container may be positioned adjacent the front wall 12 and doors 21 and 22 of the front cabinet section 10 and into which the cleaned rolls R will fall as they are ejected.

Suction or vacuum cleaning device It will be observed in Figures 1, 1-A, 3, 4, 5 and 8 that 'a relatively narrow enclosed throat portion 220 of a suction or vacuum cleaning device, broadly designated at 221, projects upwardly through the transverse slot 28 in the top wall or cover 33 of the front cabinet section 10. This throat portion 220 of the suction device is preferably formed of sheet metal and is substantially rectangular in plan. The upper end of the throat 220 of the suction device 221 terminates in closely spaced relation beneath the roll R being operated upon by the stripper rolls and 81 and has a nozzle member 222 removably mounted in the upper end thereof.

In this instance, the nozzle member 222 is shown in the form of an elongated channel-shaped or inverted U-shaped member formed from sheet material and the downturned flanges thereof fit in substantially U-shaped portions 223 (Figure 5) formed in opposite front and rear walls of the throat 220. The web or horizontal portion of the channel-shaped nozzle 222 has a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced slots 224 therein which are disposed in close proximity to and beneath the roll R being operated upon by the stripper rolls 80 and 81.

The slots 224 are preferably of the same length as, and disposed in alinement with, the usual bosses or cots on the clearer rolls R. It is evident that different nozzle members would be used for clearer rolls 'R havin'g bosses of different lengths or which are spaced differently than others. Thus, the nozzle members 222 may be readily lifted out of the 'U-shaped portions .223 and another nozz le member substituted therefor, as desired. In the event that clearer rolls being cleaned have a continuous surface, that is, having no bosses, there would be only one continuous slot in the nozzle 222 instead of a plurality of slots 224.

- The throat 220 is connected to a downwardly extending body portion 225 whose front and rear walls flare outwardly or extend in diverging relation to each other and whose side walls converge downwardly and the walls of the body portion of the suction device 221 are connected to the upper end of a pipe or conduit 226. The pipe 226, which is also preferably made from sheet metal, extends downwardly through the floor on which the cabinet rests and may be connected to the conventional system usually employed in textile mills for carrying excess textile fibres and the like away from various parts of the mill.

If desired, the pipe 226 may terminate beneath the floor on which the cabinet rests and merely directs the residual fibres and strand material removed from the rolls R into the room beneath the room in which improved apparatus is disposed. In order to create suction at the nozzle 222, a suitable suction means in the form of an electric blower or fan having blades 230 is disposed within the pipe '226. In this instance the blades 230 are fixed on a motor shaft 231 projecting downwardly from a motor 232 suitably secured to a transverse frame member or support 233 which spans the distance between, and is suitably secured to, diametrically opposed inner surfaces of the pipe 226.

In order to permit access to the suction device comprising the blades 230, motor 232 and shaft 231, the pipe 226 has an access opening 234 therein which is adapted to be closed by a curved door or closure member 235 hingedly mounted on the pipe 226. In this in stance, the door 235 has a vertical slot 236 adjacent the free edge thereof which registers with a turn knob 237 for locking the door 235 in closed position. The knob 237 is rotatably supported by the pipe 226 adjacent the right-hand side of the opening 234 in Figure 3. The electric motor 232 of the suction means has wires or conductors 240 and 241 extending therefrom which, as shown in Figure 18, are connected intermediate'the ends of the respective wires 175 and 174.

Electrical circuit It will be observed in Figure 3 that the front surface of the partition 23 also has a relay 245, a magnetic starter 246 and a time-delay-relay 247 suitably secured thereto. A suitable manual starter switch 248 is suitably secured to the inner surface of the side Wall 14 and has respective start and stop push buttons 251 and 252 projecting outwardly therefrom which slidably penetrate the side wall 14 of the front cabinet section 10.

' Now, referring to Figure 18, it will be observed that the elements 245 to 248, inclusive, are shown schematically in broken lines. The start" push button 251- has a start switch bar 253 which normally occupies an open position and which, when manually depressed, is closed to complete a circuit between wires or conductors 255 and 261. On the other hand, the stop push button 252 has a switch bar 256 thereon which normally occupies a closed position to close a circuit between a wire of conductor 257 and a wire or conductor 260, to which the end of the wire 255 remote from the switch bar 253.

is connected.

The end of the wire 261 remote from the stop switch 256 and the wire 165 are connected to opposite-sides of a suitable plug 263 adapted to be connected to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown. The end of the wire 261) remote from the manual starter switch 248 is connected to one side of a solenoid or magnetic coil 264, to the other end of which a wire or conductor 265 is connected, which wire 265 is connected intermediate the ends of the lead Wire 165. Thus, upon an operator depressing the start push button 251, a circuit is com,- pleted to the solenoid or magnetic coil 264 andcauses a plunger 266 of the magnetic starter 246 to move downwardly in Figure 18 and to thereby move a pair of switch bars r: and b to closed position.

coil 264, since the start switch bar 253 immediately returns to open position upon the push button 251 being released by the operator. The circuit is then completed to the coil 264 by a wire or conductor 267 extending from thelead wire 261 to one side of the switch bar a and current flows through the switch bar a, through wire 257,- switch bar 256 and wire 260 to the solenoid coil 264;

Of course, upon the operator depressing the stop push button 252, the circuit to the solenoid coil 264 is then broken to return the switch bars a and b to open position. The switch bar b is connected to the wire 267 by means of a conductor or wire 270 and, when closed, the switch bar b directs current to a wire or conductor 271 which enters the time-delay-relay mechanism 247 and is connected to a terminal or contact 0. Disposed adjacent contact 0 is a mating contact or terminal d to which one end of a wire or conductor 272 is connected.

The other end of the wire or conductor 272 is con nected to a terminal of a normally open delay switch 273. The other terminal of the delay switch 273 has a wire or conductor 274 connected thereto which extends into the relay housing 245 and is connected to one side of a relay coil 275. The other side of the relay coil 275 has one end of a conductor or wire 276 connected thereto whose other end is connected to the lead wire 165.

There are various types of time-delay-relay devices which may be employed in association with the present invention and, in this instance, a time-delay-relay mechanism of a type known as a Square D, class 9050, type RG9E, tirne-delay-relay mechanism may be employed.

' The time-delay-relay mechanism 247 includes a suitable 7 The switch a then maintains the circuit to the solenoid housing 280 having a diaphragm 281 therein which is normally retarded as to its downward movement in Figure 18 by suitable valves, only one of which is shown in the form of a screw 282 which controls the rate at which air may be exhausted from within the housing 280 through a port 282a.

It is well known to those familiar with the art that the diaphragm 281 in this type of time-delay-relay mechanism can move upwardly instantaneously while its downward movement is delayed according to predetermined adjustment of the valve or valves 282. The medial portion of the diaphragm 281 has one end of a delay shaft 283 fixed thereto which extends downwardly in Figure 18 and has an insulation cap 284 on the lower end thereof which is normally biased into engagement with the insulated upper end of a solenoid plunger 285 by a compression spring 286.

Y The compression spring 286 engages a laterally extending portion of a substantially L-shaped arm 287 integral with the lower portion of the delay shaft 283. The upper end of the vertical leg of the L-shaped portion 287 of the delay shaft 283 has one end of a lever 290 pivotally connected thereto which is pivotally supported intermediate the ends thereof, as at 291, and has a second timedelay switch bar 292 pivotally connected thereto which is normally spaced immediately above the contacts or terminals 0 and a. The switch bar 292 normally engages a pair of contacts or terminals e and which have the proximal ends of respective wires or conductors 294 and 295 connected thereto.

Terminal 0 is connected intermediate the ends of wire 295 by a wire or conductor 296 and the end of wire 295 remote from the terminal 1 is connected to a terminal or contact g normally spaced from a switch bar 297 fixed to the lower end of the solenoid plunger 285 in Figure 18.

A mating terminal or contact h is spaced from the terminal or contact g and has the end of the wire 206 remote from the solenoid coil 203 connected thereto. The end of wire 294 remote from terminal e is connected to one end of a solenoid coil 380 which surrounds the plunger 285 and to the other end of which a wire or conductor 301 is connected. The end of the wire 301 remote from the coil 300 is connected to the lead wire and the end of the wire 207 remote from the solenoid coil 203 is connected intermediate the ends of the wire 301 or it may be connected directly to the lead wire 165, as desired.

The switch 273 is biased toward closed position by a compression spring 3&4- which normally urges a projection 335 on the switch 273 into engagement with an arm 3% projecting lateraliy from the delay shaft 233.

A switch bar 33! disposed adjacent the coil 275 of relay 245 normally assumes an open position, but when closed, the switch bar 367 closes a circuit between the wire 274 and a wire or conductor 31%) con. cted intermediate the ends of the wire 76 which, as heretofore stated, is connected at opposite ends thereof to the solenoid coils 74 and 363. The wire 77 extending from the other end of coil is connected to the lead wire 165. The end of wire 175 remote from the motor 172 is connected to wire 2'71 extending from the magnetic starter 246.

Method of operation It has already been described how the rolls R, having random or indiscriminate waste fibers and the like thereon, are placed on the uppermost platform of the chute 33a and progress, by gravity, dong the chutes 33a, 34 and 35 until the leading roll R engages the then operative front arresting bar 53 as shown in Figures 4 and 18. The start push button 251 is then depressed by the operator to energize the coil 264 of the magnetic starter 246, whereupon the switch bars a and b move to closed position. Upon initial energization of the coil 264 in the magnetic starter 24 the coil Slit! of the time-delay-relay 247 is energized and the electric motors 172 and 232 are energized. Of course, the fan blades 230 then rotate to create suction at the openings 224 in the nozzle 222 of the suction device 221 and rotation is also imparted to the shaft 143 in the combination gear and clutch housing 116 (Figures 3, 9, l0, l2 and 18).

Upon energization of the coil Silt) of the time-delayrelay mechanism 247, the plunger 234 moves upwardly in Figure 18 causing the switch bar 297 to engage the terminals 11 and g and, in so doing, the plunger 285 also moves the delay shaft 283 upwardly and, immediately after the switch bar 297 is moved to closed position, the switch 273 moves to closed position.

As the switch 273 moves to closed position, the termi nals g and h are biased upwardly with continued movement of the delay shaft 283, thereby moving the arm 3 26 out of engagement with the projection 305 on the switch 273. Also, at the time the switch 273 moves to closed position the switch bar 232 moves out of engagement with the terminals e and f and engages and biases the terminals c and d downwardly slightly in Figure 18 to thereby break the circuit to the coil 3%. Although the closing of the switch bar 287 and switch 273 overlap somewhat, this is of no consequence in the proper function of the apparatus. However, since the switch bar 29'] moves to closed position prior to the switch 273, the flow of current effected by the movement of the switch bar 297 to closed position will be first described.

When the switch bar 297 is in closed position, current flows from the switch bar b in the magnetic starter 246, through the wires 271, 296 and 295, through switch bar 297 and wire 206 to the solenoid coil 293 associated with the ejector mechanism 135. Current continues through coil 203 and wires 2 37 and 391 to lead wire 165 thus completing the circuit to the solenoid coil 203. Although a roll R is not present, at this time, between the stripper rolls 8% and 81, energization of coil 2G3 causes the ejector bar 187 to dart upwardly and forwardly at an angle between the stripper rolls 8 and 81.

Since the switch bar 297 and solenoid plunger 287 are normally biased downwardly in Figure 18, immediately .upon the switch bar 292 moving out of engagement with the terminals e and f, the circuit to the coil 300 will be-broken and the switch bar 297 will return to open 14 position to permit the ejector bar .186 of the ejector mechanism to return to the inoperative position shown in Figures 4 and 18.

Now, immediately following the upward movement of the ejector bar 186, the movement of the switch bar 292 in the time-delay-relay mechanism 247 into engagement with the terminals '6 and d, causes current to flow from the switch bar 17 in the magnetic starter 246, through the wire 271, switch bar 292, wire 272, switch 273 and wire 274 to the relay coil 275 in the relay 245. Current then flows through the coil 2'75 and wire 276 to the lead wire thereby energizing the coil 275. This immediately causes the switch bar 367 to move to closed position, whereupon the circuit is completed simultaneously to both of the coils 74 and 163.

As heretofore stated, this causes the movable clutch member 145 to move into engagement with the clutch member 137 of the gear 136 as the movable clutch member 144 is moved out of engagement with the clutch member 137 of the gear 135 and which, in turn, causes the stripper rolls 8%) and 81 to rotate in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18.

Also, upon energization of the solenoid coil 74, the rocker arms or levers 65 move in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18 thereby reversing the positions of the front and rear arresting bars 53 and 54 of the transfer mechanism Sil. The leading roll R, that is, the roll R which was previously in engagement with the front arresting bar 53, is then released as the next succeeding roll R is maintained in its original position by the rear arresting 'bar 54.

It is evident that the leading roll 12 will then move, by gravity, along the bottom platform or chute 35 and will fall off the end thereof onto the stripper rolls 8!) and 81 which, by that time, will have started rotating in a clockwise direction Figures 4 and 18.

While the stripper rolls 8i} and 81 are rotating in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18, the rear arresting bar 54 remains in raised or operative position and the delay mechanism 247 is so adjusted that the stripper rolls 8% and 81 will then impart rotation to the corresponding roll R disposed therebetween for a period of, say, fifteen to thirty seconds, during the course of which the roll R being cleaned will rotate in a counter-clockwise direction to smooth out and substantially parallelize the residual fibers and strands thereon and to form them into a mat loosely adhering to the periphery of the roll R being cleaned. Of course, a few of the fibers will be dislodged during this initial rotating movement of the roll R being cleaned and these fibers will be drawn through the openings 224 in the nozzle member 222 and carried away through the pipe 226, due to the suction fan blades 230.

Now, the time-delay-relay mechanism is also so adjusted that, during the course of downward movement of the delay shaft 283, the arm 306 thereon will engage the projection 305 on switch 273, to move the switch 273 to open position while the switch bar 252 remains in engagement with the contacts or terminals 0 and d. It is evident that this will break the circuit to the coil 275 of the relay 245 and will thereby break the circuit to the solenoid coils 74 and 163. The spring 71 will then cause the front arresting bar 53 to return to raised or operative position as the rear arresting bar 54 is re turned to lowered or inoperative position, whereupon a succeeding roll R will then be positioned against the front arresting bar 53 preparatory to a repeat operation.

Also, at the time that the front arresting bar 53 of the transfer mechanism is returned to operative position, the spring causes the shifting shaft 152 in the housing 116 to move from left to right in Figure 9 to return the clutch member 144 to operative position as the clutch member 145 is moved to inoperative position and to thereby reverse the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81. In this instance, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 will then rotate in a counter-clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18. I

The stripper rolls 80 and 81 are caused to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction for a predetermined period of, say, fifteen to thirty seconds, due to the further delaying action of the time-delay-relay mechanism 247, since there is a lapse of time between the time at which the switch 273 is moved to open position and the time at which the switch bar 292 again engages the terminals of contacts e and f.

It might be stated that the relay 245 could possibly be omitted, if the wire 274 were connected directly to a medial portion of the wire 76. However, the relay 245 is provided for convenience in connecting the various conductors to the time-delay-rclay mechanism 247 and also to further slightly delay the operation of the clutch mechanism disposed within the housing 116 and the relative reciprocation of the arresting bars 53 and 54 as compared to the operation of the ejector mechanism 135.

A most important feature of the present invention is embodied in the rotation of the stripper rolls 30 and 81 in first one direction and then in the otherwhile a single roll R is being cleaned since the initial rotation of the stripper rolls 8t} and 81 substantially parallelizes or smooths out the fibers or other residual matter on each successive roll R as it is directed thereto and, upon reversing their direction of rotation, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 cause the residual fibers and strand material to unwind from the particular roll R being operated upon by the stripper rolls SOand 81 due to the constantly moving air currents effected at the apertures or openings 224 in the nozzle 222 of the suction device 221.

Of course, the residual fibers and strand material are caused to be unwound from the roll R disposed between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 due to the suction means and, thus, the residual fibers, strand material and the like are carried away through the pipe 226.

After the stripper rolls 80 and 81 have rotated in said reverse or counter-clockwise direction for a given period of, say, fifteen to thirty seconds, the switch bar 292 moves into engagement with the terminals or contacts e and f to again complete the circuit to the solenoid coil 300 to efiect a repeat operation of the various movable parts of the mechanism of the apparatus as heretofore described. Of course, since there will then be a roll R positioned between and above the stripper rolls 80 and 81, the sudden upward movement of the ejector bar 186 will cause the same to strike the roll R at substantially the same time that the stripper rolls 80 and 81 are caused to resume their original direction of movement or clockwise movement, in this instance. As the ejector bar 186 strikes the roll R disposed between the stripper rolls 8t and 81, this will propel the roll R upwardly and over the front stripper roll 81, whereupon the roll R will fall onto the tray or discharge chute 210 to be discharged into a suitable container, not shown.

It is thus seen that I have provided an improved apparatus for stripping loose fibres from textile rolls wherein all of 'the cleaning operations are performed automatically. The rolls may be stacked on the magazine 32 and are successively released one at a time and directed onto the stripper rolls 80 and 81 in timed relation to the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and each cleaned roll R is automatically ejected from the stripper rolls 30 and 81 immediately prior to a succeeding roll R being directed to the stripper rolls 8i) and 81, thus, providing a continuous roll stripping operation.

Although specific delay mechanisms and the like are shown in Figure 18, it is evident that various modifications may be made in the particular manner in which the electrical devices are arranged without departing from the spirit of the invention. Of course, there are also other specific ways in which the transfer mechanism, the ejectormechanism 185,.and the istripperrrolls 80 and '81 may be constructed and operated also without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for stripping accumulated fibres and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like comprising a pair of closely spaced, horizontally disposed transverse stripper rolls, an inclined chute having its lower end disposed substantially parallel to, and slightly above, the stripper rolls and on which said clearer rolls may be positioned so they extend transversely of the chute in side by side relationship, means normally restraining movement of said clearer rolls along the inclined chute as affected by gravity, means for alternately driving said stripper rolls in a first direction and in a second opposite direction between movements thereof in the first direction, a suction device disposed closely adjacent said stripper rolls and including a hollow member having a nozzle provided with apertures therein disposed closely adjacent, and extending in parallel relation to, the stripper rolls, means operable automatically for releasing the foremost of the clearer rolls from the restraining means each time the stripper rolls are caused to move in said first direction whereby said foremost clearer roll will move, by gravity, off of the chute and onto and partially between the stripper rolls, and means operable automatically for ejecting each successive clearer roll out of engagement with the stripper rolls at substantially each time at which the stripper rolls are driven in said first direction.

2. Apparatus for stripping accumulated fibres and the like from textile clearer rolls comprising at least one transverse stripper roll, an inclined chute having its lower edge disposed to one side of and in substantially parallel relation to the stripper roll and on which said clearer rolls may be positioned transversely of the chute and in side by side relationship, means normally restraining movement of said clearer rolls along the inclined chute as afiected by gravity, means for alternately driving said stripper roll in a first direction and in a second opposite direction between movements thereof in the first direction, a suction device including a hollow member having a nozzle provided with apertures therein disposed closely adjacent the stripper roll, means operable automatically for releasing the leading one of the clearer rolls from the restraining means each time the stripper roll is caused to move in said first direction whereby said leading clearer roll will move, by gravity, oif of the chute and onto the stripper roll, means to maintain the released clearer roll in engagement with the stripper roll, and means operable automatically for ejecting each successive clearer roll out of engagement with the stripper roll at substantially each time at which the stripper roll is driven in said first direction.

3. Apparatus for stripping accumulations of fibres from textile clearer rolls comprising a pair of horizontally spaced parallel stripper rolls, means for driving said stn'pper rolls in a first direction for a predetermined period of time, means for alternately driving said stripper rolls in a second opposite direction for a predetermined period of time between each period of time during which the stripper rolls are driven in said first direction, at least one suction device having an elongated nozzle thereon disposed closely adjacent said stripper rolls for creating and directing constantly moving currents of air past the stripper rolls, a magazine disposed substantially above said stripper rolls and being adapted to support a plurality of said clearer rolis, said stripper rolls being spaced a distance apart from each other slightly less than the diameter of the clearer rolls, means operable automatically in timed relation to the initiation of each successive rotational movement of said stripper rolls in said first direction for transferring one of the clearer rolls from said magazine onto and partially between the stripper rolls, and-means for ejecting each successive clearer roll from engagement with the stripper rolls each time the stripper rolls have rotated for a predetermined period of time in said second direction.

4. Apparatus for stripping accumulations of fibres from textile clearer rolls comprising a plurality of horizontally spaced parallel stripper rolls, means for driving said stripper rolls in a first direction for a predetermined period of time, means for alternately driving said stripper rolls in a second opposite direction for a predetermined period of time between each period of time during which the stripper rolls are driven in said first direction, at least one suction device having an elongated nozzle thereon disposed in closely spaced parallel relation to said clearer rolls for creating and directing constantly moving currents of air past the stripper rolls, a magazine disposed above said stripper rolls and being adapted to support a plurality of said clearer rolls, means operable automatically in timed relation to the initiation of each successive rotational movement of said stripper rolls in said first direction for directing at least one of the clearer rolls from said magazine onto the stripper rolls, adjacent stripper rolls being spaced from each other a distance slightly less than the diameter of the clearer rolls whereby the clearer rolls will rest upon and partially between adjacent stripper rolls when directed thereto, and means for ejecting the clearer rolls from engagement with the stripper rolls.

5. Apparatus for removing accumulated fibres from textile clearer rolls comprising a plurality of horizontally spaced parallel stripper rolls, the distance between adjacent stripper rolls being less than the diameter of the clearer rolls, a magazine disposed adjacent said stripper rolls and being adapted to support a plurality of said clearer rolls, means for transferring the clearer rolls, one at a time, from said magazine to adjacent stripper rolls and whereby each successive clearer roll rests upon and partially between adjacent stripper rolls, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to said stripper rolls in one direction as each successive clearer roll is transferred thereto, means operable automatically for reversing the direction of rotation of said stripper rolls for a predetermined period after said stripper rolls have been rotating in the first-named direction for a predetermined period, means for ejecting the clearer rolls from engagement with the stripper rolls in timed relation to the rotation of the stripper rolls and the operation of the transfer means after the stripper rolls have rotated a predetermined period in said reverse direction, and a suction device disposed between and slightly below the level of the stripper rolls for creating common directional moving currents of air past the stripper rolls to thereby withdraw the fibres from the clearer rolls.

6. Apparatus for removing accumulated fibres and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like comprising at least two horizontally spaced parallel stripper rolls, the distance between the stripper rolls being less than the diameter of the clearer rolls, a magazine disposed adjacent said stripper rolls and being adapted to support a plurality of said clearer rolls, transfer means for transferring the clearer rolls, one at a time, from said magazine to the stripper rolls and whereby each successive clearer roll rests upon, and partially between, said stripper rolls, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to said stripper rolls in one direction substantially as each successive clearer roll is transferred thereto, means operable automatically for reversing the direction of rotation of said stripper rolls for a predetermined period after said stripper rolls have been rotating in the firstnamed direction for a predetermined period, means for ejecting each successive clearer roll from engagement with the stripper rolls in timed relation to the rotation of the stripper rolls and the operation of the transfer means after the stripper rolls have rotated a predetermined period in the second-named direction, and a suction device disposed between and slightly below the level of the stripper rolls for creating comm 3K1 directional moving currents of air past the clearer rolls while each successive clearer roll is in engagement with the stripper rolls to thereby withdraw the fibres from the clearer rolls.

7. In a structure according to claim 6, means for adjusting at least one stripper roll relative to the other to vary the distance therebetween according to the diameter of the clearer rolls.

8. In a structure according to claim 6, means for verticaily adjusting the position of said stripper rolls relative to the suction device.

9. In a structure according to claim 6, said suction device comprising a hollow body member having a restricted elongated throat portion, an elongated nozzle member mounted on said throat portion and being provided with openings in its upper end adjacent said stripper rolls, a tubular member communicatively connected .to said hollow body member, and a driven fan in said tubular member for creating suction currents at the openings in said nozzle.

10. Apparatus for stripping accumulations of fibres and the like from textile clearer rolls comprising a pair of substantially horizontally spaced and substantially parallel stripper rolls, means for alternately rotating both stripper rolls in forward and reverse directions, at least one suction device having an elongated nozzle thereon disposed closely adjacent said stripper rolls, an inclined chute having its front lower edge disposed above, to one side of and in substantially parallel relation to the proxi mal portions of said stripper rolls, front and rear spaced arresting bars extending transversely of said chute and substantially parallel to said stripper rolls, means operable automatically for moving said front arresting bar downwardly below the level of said chute while moving the rear arresting bar upwardly into the path of any clearer rolls on said chute substantially at each time said stripper rolls start rotating in one direction, means to reverse the position of said arresting bars at a predetermined time after the arresting bars have been moved to the last-named position, and means for ejecting the clearer rolls from engagement with the stripper rolls.

11. Apparatus for stripping accumulations of fibres and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like comprising at least two closely horizontally spaced, transversely extending and substantially parallel stripper rolls provided with roughened peripheral surfaces and being spaced from each other a distance less than the diameter of the clearer rolls, a magazine including at least one inclined platform whose lower front edge terminates at a level slightly above and rearwardly of the stripper rolls, said platform being adapted to support a plurality of said clearer rolls in juxtaposed parallel relationship and in substantially parallel relation to said stripper rolls, a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced transverse arresting bars including a front arresting bar and a rear arresting bar adapted to alternately move into position above the level of the chute for alternately arresting gravitational movement of the clearer rolls, an ejector bar normally spaced slightly below the level of the axes of, and between, the stripper rolls, means for alternately driving said stripper rolls in a first direction for a predetermined period of time, means for driving said stripper rolls in a second opposite direction for a predetermined period of time between each time that the stripper rolls are driven in said first direction, means normally holding the first arresting bar in operative position during movement of said stripper rolls in said second direction, means operable automatically for moving the first arresting bar to inoperative position as the second arresting bar is moved to operative position each time the stripper rolls are initially caused to rotate in said first direction to thereby release a clearer roll whereby the clearer roll will move along the platform to fall upon and between the stripper 19 rolls to be rotated thereby, means operable automatically substantially in unison With the movement of the first arresting bar to inoperative position for momentarily moving the ejector bar upwardly between the stripper rolls for ejecting a corresponding clearer roll therefrom, and a suction device disposed adjacent the proximal surfaces of said stripper rolls whereby each successive clearer roll is caused to rotate in first one direction and then the other to first smooth out the fibres thereon and to then cause the fibres to be withdrawn therefrom by said suction devlces.

12. Apparatus for removing accumulated fibres and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like comprising at least two substantially horizontally spaced substantially parallel stripper rolls, means for alternately rotating both stripper rolls in forward and reverse directions, at least one suction device having an elongated nozzle thereon disposed closely adjacent said stripper rolls, a magazine disposed adjacent said stripper rolls for supporting a plurality of clearer rolls, means operable automatically in timed relation to the initiation of each successive rotational movement of said stripper rolls in one direction for transferring one of the clearer rolls from said magazine onto and partially between the stripper rolls, and means for ejecting each successive clearer roll from engagement with the stripper rolls.

13. Apparatus for removing accumulated fibres and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like comprising at least two substantially horizontally spaced substantially parallel stripper rolls, means for alternately rotating both stripper rolls in forward and reverse direcdirection for transferring one of the clearer rolls from said magazine onto and partially between the stripper rolls, and means for ejecting each successive clearer roll from engagement with the stripper rolls each time the stripper rolls have rotated a predetermined period of time in the other direction.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Dobler July 16, 1901 932,738 Wilson Aug. 31, 1909: 1,243,071 Jopson Oct. 16, 1917 1,543,297 Robinson June 23, 1925 1,691,874 White Nov. 1.3, 1928' 1,723,256 Scott Aug. 6, 1929 2,131,512 Gwinn Sept. 27, 1938 2,211,838 Riggs Aug. 20, 1940 2,289,753 Capstafi July 14, 1942 2,385,039 Steinmetz Sept. 18, 1945 2,493,120 Eaton Jan. 3, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 7,628 Great Britain Mar. 26, 1914. 714,038 France Aug. 24, 1931 645,083 Great Britain Oct. 25, 1950 

